Citation

Blashki G, McMichael T, Karoly DJ. Aust. Fam. Physician 2007; 36(12): 986-989.

Affiliation

Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Victoria. gblashki@unimelb.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18075618

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Climate change and rising average global temperatures threaten to disrupt the physical, biological and ecological life support systems on which human health depends. OBJECTIVE: This article overviews the evidence for human induced climate change, the predicted health impacts, and the role of primary health care professionals in managing these impacts. DISCUSSION: Climate change has substantial potential health effects. These include heat stress related to heatwaves; injuries related to extreme weather events such as storms, fires and floods; infectious disease outbreaks due to changing patterns of mosquito borne and water borne diseases; poor nutrition from reduced food availability and affordability; the psychosocial impact of drought; and the displacement of communities. Primary health care has an important role in preparing for and responding to these climate change related threats to human health.

Language: en